CCS Wrestling Team Makes History at State Championships

On February 14 in Nashville, TN, the Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) wrestling team, led by Coach Josh Craft, competed in the 2025 TSSAA Tennessee High School Wrestling DII State Championships, setting a program record with 11 state qualifiers.

Over the past decade, the CCS wrestling program has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from just three varsity wrestlers ten years ago to a highly competitive team. This year’s qualifiers included Ryder Smith (11), Callen Bridgman (12), Jack Turner (12), Hayes Sanders (8), Donnis Boochie (10), Tyre Brown (10), Joe Kennedy (8), Christian Miller (12), Jonah Bumgarner (12), Cooper Martin (11), and Christian Weichman (12).

Reflecting on the season, Coach Craft stated, “This is the best talent we have had on a team in our program's history.” The team’s hard work paid off, earning eight individual state medals and securing a 5th-place finish—the highest team placement in CCS history at the individual state competition. At the Dual State Championship (Team State), CCS advanced to the finals and finished as the state runner-up.

A standout performer, junior Ryder Smith, made CCS history as a two-time state champion and three-time state finalist. Smith’s impressive accomplishments include being an NHSCA National Champion, a Fargo National runner-up, and a two-time National Prep All-American. He finished last season with a perfect 43-0 record and this season at 37-1.

For the first time in CCS wrestling history, two 8th-grade students earned state placements: Joe Kennedy finished 5th, and Hayes Sanders took 6th. Other CCS wrestlers who placed at the state tournament include Tyre Brown (3rd), Callen Bridgman (4th), Jonah Bumgarner (4th), Jack Turner (6th), and Christian Miller (6th).

Discussing the team’s preparation, Coach Craft shared, “We train extremely hard, pushing our guys' physical limits while also focusing on the mental aspect—continually focus on things under their control and not focusing on results. Just come prepared with the best effort, best attitude and lots of aggressiveness and compete the same way and the results will take care of themselves.”

He added, “We alway desire that our team comes away from every event knowing that they used their abilities God gave them to the best of their potential and that by the way they competed, showed sportsmanship, cared for and bonded with one another; it all shines a Glory for God and bring a positive light to our Lord!” 

For more details about the TSSAA wrestling tournament results, please CLICK HERE.